Best Furnaces - Our Top 10 Picks and Reviews
Finding an efficient, quiet, and reliable furnace tailored to your home's needs is vital for comfort and affordability. With so many brands and models on the market, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. We're here to help simplify the process by spotlighting the 10 best gas furnaces based on critical factors.
Our extensive research analyzed today's top furnace models across leading manufacturers like Goodman, Amana, Bryant, Rheem, Lennox, and more. We scrutinized efficiency ratings, noise levels, warranties, sizes, heating stages, high-tech features, and real-world customer experiences to settle on the premier options across popular categories.
Key Factors When Selecting a New Furnace
Before diving into our top picks, let's overview the crucial decision points to keep top of mind:
Efficiency Ratings
Focus on Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) percentages, indicating the amount of fuel converted to heat. Look for ratings of 90% or higher for savings.
Capacity and Size
Match furnace output to your climate and square footage for efficiency. Oversizing wastes energy while undersizing fails to warm properly.
Noise Levels
Factor in sound ratings and variable-speed components for the quietest operation, especially in bedrooms.
Warranties
Review coverage duration and terms for parts and heat exchanger, prioritizing longer 10+ year warranties.
Advanced Features
Consider smart technology, WiFi control, and compatibility with humidifiers, filters, zoning systems, and smart home platforms.
Most Energy Efficient Furnaces
Energy efficiency should be a top consideration when shopping for a new furnace. Models with higher AFUE (annual fuel utilization efficiency) ratings convert a greater percentage of fuel into heat, saving you money over time.
Carrier Infinity 98 Gas Furnace
With an outstanding 98.5% AFUE rating, the Carrier Infinity Series is one of the most efficient furnaces available. It uses a two-stage heating system to closely match heat output to demand, promoting comfort and savings.
- Variable-speed blower for quiet, even heat distribution
- 10-year parts limited warranty
Designed for large, luxury homes, the Infinity 98 features durable stainless steel construction, proprietary technology to defend against humidity and corrosion, and a Smart Sensors system that engages multiple zones for truly customized comfort.
Trane S9V2 Furnace
The Trane S9V2 offers 96% AFUE along with reliability and durability. The ComfortLink II system allows adjustment via smartphone.
- Durable stainless steel heat exchanger
- Lifetime limited warranty on heat exchanger
This top performer stands up to decades of use with a rugged heat exchanger while the variable-speed blower delivers quiet, flexible heating. Owners praise the consistent warmth and energy savings.
Lennox SL297UH High-Efficiency Furnace
With amazing 97.4% efficiency, the Lennox SL297UH saves energy while providing soothing warmth. It's also compatible with humidifiers and air filters for improved comfort and air quality.
- WhisperDrive system for ultra-quiet operation
- 20-year limited warranty on the heat exchanger
Lennox engineered this furnace for smooth, silent running while maximizing heat production. With sturdy construction and built-in humidity control, it promotes an ideal home environment year-round.
Quietest Running Furnaces
A noisy furnace can disrupt sleep, conversations, and relaxation time at home. Luckily many modern furnaces are engineered for whisper-quiet operation. Focus on models with insulated cabinets, vibration dampeners, multiple heating stages, and variable-speed components for the best results.
American Standard Platinum 20 Furnace
The American Standard Platinum 20 uses a variable-speed blower to produce nearly silent airflow. Owners love the serene ambiance it fosters at home. An efficiency rating of 95% AFUE combines savings and comfort.
- AccuClean whole-home air filtration
- Lifetime warranty on the stainless steel heat exchanger
This flagship American Standard model offers impeccable construction paired with sound-reducing materials for the ultimate in luxury. The Platinum 20 filters air while customizing humidity levels and circulating warmth with barely a whisper.
Maytag MGC95SP5B Gas Furnace
Backed by a 100-year brand legacy, the Maytag MGC95SP5B delivers 95% AFUE in a durable and attractive bronze cabinet designed to dampen vibrations. Owners love the consistently quiet performance.
- Two-stage gas valve for more even heating
- 20-year limited warranty on parts
Maytag equipped this furnace with thick insulation, a slow-starting motor, rubber gaskets, and an isolated blower compartment to maintain tranquility in the home. Reliable construction keeps it running smoothly for over two decades.
York Affinity YP9C Furnace
With a variable-speed motor engineered for smooth, quiet starts, the York YP9C keeps noise to a minimum. Owners say it's one of the quietest models they've had. The 96% AFUE rating also ensures energy savings.
- Optional humidity control for year-round comfort
- Lifetime limited warranty on the heat exchanger
York built this top performer for sound absorption with thick insulation, rubber isolator mounts, and a sealed blower compartment. Owners love the peaceful ambiance along with even temperatures.
Best Value Furnaces
While leading brands like Carrier and Trane justify higher prices with premium features and the latest technology, you can still find high-quality, efficient furnaces at more affordable costs from respected manufacturers like Goodman and Rheem.
Goodman GMSS96V Furnace
With 96% AFUE rivaling top models, the Goodman GMSS96V provides substantial energy savings. The multi-speed blower expertly adapts heating output for your ideal temperature.
- Heavy-duty aluminized steel heat exchanger
- Lifetime heat exchanger limited warranty
This Energy Star-certified furnace delivers impressive efficiency and reliability that outperforms older units. Owners praise the consistent warmth and reduced utility bills.
Rheem R96V Performance Series
The Rheem R96V supplies 96% AFUE in a durable steel chassis made to handle decades of use. Plus, it operates around 76 decibels for a relatively hushed presence.
- PlusOne diagnostics for fast troubleshooting
- Lifetime heat exchanger limited warranty
This high-performing Rheem model offers intelligent electronics and quiet single-stage heating at a reasonable price point. Owners love the annual savings and straightforward maintenance.
Top Smart and WiFi Connected Furnaces
Smart WiFi-enabled furnaces allow control, monitoring, and temperature adjustments from anywhere via smartphone or voice assistants. They seamlessly connect to advanced thermostats and smart home platforms as well. If convenience and flexibility are your top concerns, consider these leading connected models.
With the user-friendly Infinity Touch thermostat, the Carrier Infinity series connects to WiFi for control via theInfinity mobile app. The 98% efficient furnace also links to Alexa, Google Assistant, and smart home devices.
- Usage tracking and programming for efficiency
- 10-year parts limited warranty
This brilliant furnace auto-adjusts to save energy while maintaining customized comfort zones. You can observe performance details and schedule maintenance alerts as well.